If you are a video game lover, it is very likely that you will have tried most of the games that are out there on the market. Even if you didn’t find them as enjoyable as most, you would still make it your mission to complete the game, or to advance as far as possible. Of course, there are some games that you can’t get away from, and gameplays such as Elder Scrolls Online (check out the best eso character build guides here), FIFA, and Call of Duty are commonly known to be the most popular when it comes to taking down your opponent and reigning triumphant.
But have you ever considered how food can make a difference in the industry that we love so much?
For years, food has played an integral role in many of our favorite video games. Whether you are playing on your smartphone or a wider screen with your console or computer, you can’t deny that various foods in video games create a lasting impression during your gameplay. In other words, game developers use food to immerse players into the virtual world as it is something irresistible and relatable.
Here are three roles food has played in many video game titles:
Used for Sustenance and Boosting Stats/Skills
Perhaps the most obvious and relatable role, many games use food as sustenance. For example, in many simulation games, it is crucial that you feed your characters or virtual pets. Otherwise, they will die and you may or may not suffer consequences in your gameplay.
On the other hand, some games use food as a healing or revival item. In the case of Genshin Impact, for example, players can access their inventory to feed their characters should they run low on health points or die during a fight. The characters may also experience “fullness” if you keep feeding them.
Some games also use food and drink to provide a boost in defense, attack, and critical rate, making players stronger and more resistant to certain environments. For instance, Dark Souls players use edible consumables to enhance stamina, increase resistance against ailments (toxic, bleed, and frost), and boost elemental and magical attacks.
Simulates Our Real-Life Relationship with Food
Ever wondered how you can’t touch, smell, or eat virtual food, yet your mouth waters at the sight of it? You are not alone. As mentioned, game developers use food to entice players while they play. Like in Monster Hunter: World, its developers mastered the art of fine-tuning the texture of meat, the consistency of sauces and soups, and the appearance of perfectly cooked food, which is why many dishes in the game always look good. In a way, players crave the dishes and satiate their hunger by feeding their characters with them.
You may also think of dishes in video games as the ultimate food porn. Not only do they elicit human responses to seeing delicious food in real life, but the realistic texture and plating make them aesthetically pleasing. Think of it as a virtual tour of a property you plan to buy. For instance, before purchasing a Pag-IBIG foreclosed property, you want to tour the property from your screen to see whether it is worth looking at in real life. Plus, photos and video presentations of the foreclosure may convince you that it is your dream home.
Part of Lore/World-Building
While most video game foods serve as sustenance and boosts, others serve a crucial role in the game’s lore and world-building. Take The Last of Us as an example. Since the game’s plot is set in a zombie-like apocalypse, players have to navigate Joel and Ellie (the game’s protagonists) to forage the woods for any edible meat, fruit, and greens they may find. Some conversations even talk about rationing canned goods to feed all survivors for a week or more.
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, saké is an obtainable item from bosses and through exploring the grounds of Ashina. Besides alluding to a real-life ceremony in Japan, giving rice wine to specific characters unlocks key conversation responses that help players understand the plot and characters better. Players might even score hints on some bosses’ weaknesses after sharing a cup of saké or two.
The bottom line of food and drink is that whether they are tangible or virtual, they play vital roles in our lives. From sustenance to healing, forging relationships, culture, and aesthetics, food will remain a part of our lives and will continue to reflect aspects of our routines and aspirations.
I agree with you whether that food is real or not it has a very huge role in every human being. Food can help you gain more energy, sustaining your life, and etc.
Yes, food has a grear role in our life. I try to have the healthy and energizing foods to feed my brain.
Yes, food plays a major role in our lives. It’s also a good bribery tool (in moderation) to get teens working in a classroom. 😉
I have noticed with my kids that food and video games go hand in hand. It’s the same as having snacks with your movie.
I really enjoyed this post. I’ve found that any time my family does anything related to the TV, whether it’s movies, tv shows, or gaming, we always have snacks.
This was an interesting read. I’ve often wondered why kid and adults seem to always have food with them whenever they are gaming or watching TV.
Really interesting! I never thought about it this way.
Interesting! I have never thought of the importance of food while playing video games. I’m just focusing on the game so much while playing.
Thanks for sharing!
Great post. Food is the great uniter. We see it on film, in games, and of course, in our everyday lives. Food always plays a huge role in life.
This was a really interesting read. I love the comparison between how food is used in video games and how it’s used in our real lives.
I have to have snacks when I’m playing video games! Food always plays a huge role in my life and mood. (everything’s better with snacks!) Great post!
I agree that food plays an integral role in our lives and how advertisers are always to look for ways to incorporate their brands in every part of our lives, including video games.
Great perspective! I have never thought about that.
Truth be asked, is there anything we can get done without food? Without feeding the characters we play in the games, we are dead, either way!
food plays such a huge part is so many things. my kids eat a ton when playing video games.
I’ve totally agreed with this stuff, foods that we eat while enjoying and playing our favorite video games affect greatly one’s person being especially on the appetite side. While playing video games our brain is constantly being used and we need supplements for it to burn on this occassion.
I was so excited to create food in Breath of The Wild! Great read. I’ve never actually pondered the subject of food in video games.
Very interesting, I never thought to think about the relationship between food and video games. Food is a huge part of our lives, in more ways than we realize!
When we play video games, yes, we burn few calories, but we also eat more. I never knew the detailed reason though. Very thoroughly you have mentioned it!
This is interesting! I never thought of the relationship between food and video games.
I’ve learned so much from reading this post! Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information with your readers.
What an interesting connection. It definitely makes sense that there is a connection.
This was sooo interesting! I never thought about the role of food in video games because I don’t really play video games! I have a friend who does, so I could ask her about this.
I can’t avoid snacking while playing video games. Need to grab healthy snacks.
I’ve never seen food from this perspective, probably because I’m not into video games. Then again, it’s nice to get to know food in relation to video games.
Agree, ASMR food vlogs are now getting hyped because of food porn. Irrespective of the platform, FOOD is currency.
You know, I never really thought about the role food plays in video games. But after reading this post, I’m definitely going to be more cognizant of it!
The psychology of advertising is a serious thing. I am not at all surprised that this is also part of video games.
It reminded me a bit of the tomogatchi handheld games the kids had when they were little (they are grown now). Interesting twist on the food info!
Food is life. So it only makes sense that people eat during video games. But maybe the players choose unhealthy food over a healthy snack. THey want something quick and easy.
Your article brought such an interesting topic most ignore. thanks for sharing..
Thank you for sharing this. Ever since moving to our new luxury home here in Crosswinds Tagaytay, my sons have been gaming non-stop as they haven’t had the chance to interact with their friends. I was a little bit weary about it at first because it seemed like they were starting to skip meals and eat less healthy food while gaming. This article was very eye-opening!!
I love playing video games! I’ve never really paid so much attention to the food aspect, but this post made me realize that they do play a big part in my games!
I don’t play video games but I do stay up late working online and food (snacks) is a must for me. I choose high protein snacks to keep me alert and to fuel my brain. My boys are big on online gaming, I will ask them about the role of food in the games they are playing.
I have never really thought about this before. Any video games I play don’t have much food involved. My son plays some games — usually the sport ones so less food involved there as well. I will have to pay attention to this. Good post.